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Flak

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Flak

By: Michael Veitch
Narrated by: Michael Veitch
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About this listen

 Michael Veitch's life-long obsession with the aircraft of the Second World War led him to conclude that every single person who flew, or flew in them has at least one extraordinary story to tell. With most of these veterans in their eighties, he knew that it was a matter of urgency to find them now, before their personal stories disappear forever. From bomber pilots to fighter aces, from rear gunners to bomb aimers, from stories of death and fear to tales of humour and comradeship, Michael has helped unearth the extraordinary stories of ordinary men living and fighting in extraordinary times.©2006 Michael Veitch. (P)2007 Bolinda Publishing World Witty Aviation Air Force

Editorial reviews

Michael Veitch delivers an engaging and passionate performance of his nonfiction book FLAK. Since childhood, he had an obsession with Second World War aircraft. He believed that the men who flew these machines had incredible stories to share, but many of these narratives had not yet been recorded. Over a year, he set off to interview former bomber pilots, fighter aces, rear gunners, and bomb aimers living in Australia. These veterans were in their 80s, but their stories remained as vivid and unforgettable as the day they happened.

Critic Reviews

"A collection of vivid, unforgettable stories from RAAF veterans about their experiences of combat in World War II ... Michael has helped unearth the extraordinary stories of ordinary men living and fighting in extraordinary times." (The Herald Sun)
"Inspired by his fascination with WWII aircraft, Australian comedian Michael Veitch tracked down RAAF pilots, collecting their accounts of an extraordinary time. The result is surprisingly personal – instead of tales of adventure, the emphasis is on how pilots coped with fear, malfunctioning equipment, the loss of friends, and the constant presence of death. Veitch, an Aussie celebrity, describes his experiences tracking down the stories but usually lets the pilots' accounts take over. He reads their recollections with a voice that's respectful and excited at the same time. While aimed at Australian audiences, the book's focus on pilots provides a historical view on the war that will interest many other listeners as well." (AudioFile Magazine)
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I absolutely loved this book.
this book makes me very happy. its not that the stories them selves made me happy, but its the fact that the author Micheal Vietch put so much love and effort into recording these memories, and did such a great job.
these men deserve to be remembered.

spectacular. a Job very well done.

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Great stories, well read by the author. Action packed and captivating for anyone interested in WWII or aviation.

Great stories

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I found myself hooked on every airman’s story to the point where I would not leave my car until the chapter was complete. Truly riveting and wonderfully read by Mr Veitch.

Truly riveting

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Very well written & narrated. I was impressed by the courage of these men. What a generation they were. My father was in the raaf during ww2. I never knew his story, but I think I have some understanding now. Thank you

Terrific

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Thoroughly enjoyed it. Going to start the second book right away, cheers for recording the history

Fantastic

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Michael Veitch has done a great service in researching and writing this marvellous piece of intense personal military history. I belly laughed often and cried almost as much, as the stories from these humble old warhorses recounting their youth unfolded.

Thank you for everything gentlemen.

Marvellous

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I found this audible book very enjoyable. Each chapter being a separate entity meant I could come and go without losing the thread. Great stories of the common man thrust into conflict and challenge. The author read the book clearly and at a suitable pace. I look forward to more of his books.

Very much enjoyed

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.